Lucas Laudick Lucas Laudick

Q3 Estimated Tax Deadline 2026

Your Q3 estimated tax payment is due September 15. Here's how to calculate the right amount and avoid an underpayment penalty.

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Lucas Laudick Lucas Laudick

Lease vs. Buy for Business Equipment

Whether it's a vehicle, a copier, or heavy equipment, the lease-vs-buy decision comes down to cash flow, how long you'll actually use the asset, and how you want the tax deduction to land. Here's how to think through the tradeoff — plus a middle option that often gets overlooked.

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Lucas Laudick Lucas Laudick

S-Corp Reasonable Compensation

If you own an S-corp, the IRS requires a reasonable salary before you take any profits as distributions — but there's no fixed formula for what 'reasonable' means. Here's what the IRS actually looks at when evaluating your compensation, the common mistake that puts owners at risk of reclassification, and how to set a number you can defend if asked.

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Lucas Laudick Lucas Laudick

S-Corp Shareholder Basis Explained

Shareholder basis determines how much of an S-corp loss you can actually deduct on your personal return — and whether your distributions are tax-free or taxed as capital gains. Here's how basis is tracked, why it changes every year, and the common mixup between stock basis and debt basis that trips owners up.

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Lucas Laudick Lucas Laudick

A Court Just Ruled the IRS Got COVID-Era Tax Deadlines Wrong

A federal court has ruled that the IRS applied COVID-era tax relief far more narrowly than the law required. Under Kwong v. United States, §7508A automatically postponed tax deadlines from January 20, 2020 through July 10, 2023 — a window more than three years longer than what the IRS offered. If your business paid penalties, accrued interest, or had a refund claim denied during that period, you may have grounds to recover those amounts. But the statute of limitations is actively running. Here's what the decision means and how to evaluate whether it applies to you.

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Lucas Laudick Lucas Laudick

Short-Term Rentals as a Tax Strategy

Using short-term rental losses to offset your income can be a powerful strategy. It can also be one of the fastest ways to end up on the wrong side of an IRS audit. Here's what you need to know before you go down this road.

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Lucas Laudick Lucas Laudick

Payroll Changes for 2026: What Employers Need to Know About the New Catch-Up Contribution Rules

In 2026, new payroll rules require high-earning employees aged 50 and older to make catch-up retirement contributions as Roth (after-tax) deposits—while those without access to a Roth option can no longer make catch-up contributions at all. Learn what these changes mean for your business and how to keep your retirement plan compliant with the latest regulations.

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Lucas Laudick Lucas Laudick

Tax Season Survival Guide: Practical Tips for Stress-Free Filing

Feeling anxious about tax season? You’re not alone—but with the right preparation, filing your taxes doesn’t have to be stressful. Our Tax Season Survival Guide shares practical steps for getting organized, staying on top of important deadlines, and making the most of deductions and credits. Whether you’re an individual or business owner, these expert tips will help you breeze through tax season with confidence and peace of mind.

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Lucas Laudick Lucas Laudick

Don't Let 2026 Wreak Havoc With Payroll

Something strange and awkward is happening with the calendar in 2026. Employers who issue biweekly paychecks may find themselves having to pay their employees 27 times instead of 26. Click through to learn how to navigate this dark and deep rabbit hole.

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